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THURSDAY, June 26, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Parents and
other caregivers of children who are allergic to milk and eggs
have higher anxiety and stress levels than those whose children
are allergic to peanuts, researchers report.

That finding even surprised the authors of the study
published in the July issue of the journal Annals of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"It's assumed peanut and tree allergies are the most severe,
and therefore it may be presumed they would cause the most
strain for caregivers," lead author and allergist Dr. Laura
Howe said in a journal news release.

"But because eggs and milk are everywhere, and used to
prepare so many dishes, caregivers with children allergic to
those two ingredients feel more worried and anxious," she
explained.

Howe and colleagues surveyed 305 caregivers of children
allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts or tree nuts -- the four most
common food allergies -- and found that knowledge was important
for peace of mind. Caregivers who knew exactly which foods
could trigger an allergic reaction in their child had lower
anxiety and stress levels.

The researchers also found that 64 percent of caregivers
clearly understood the severity of their child's allergic
reaction. Another 19 percent thought the reaction was less
severe than it actually was. And, more than 15 percent thought
the reaction was more severe than it really was.

Many caregivers said they were greatly concerned about their
ability to help their child in the event of an allergic
reaction. Many also said that other people wouldn't understand
the serious threat posed by their child's food allergy.

"It is important for those who care for food-allergic
children to work with an allergist to determine exactly what
foods their child is allergic to, and how to respond in an
emergency situation," Dr. Michael Foggs, president of the
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, said in the
news release.

"Parents need to have a clear plan of action in case their
child eats a food they shouldn't. Children with a history of
severe allergic reactions, and their caregivers, need to know
how to administer epinephrine. Having plans in place can ease a
parent's worries," he said.

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